Aaron Chalmers has issued a stern warning to Darren Till ahead of their bare-knuckle boxing showdown in Birmingham tonight, cautioning the former UFC title contender not to anticipate a straightforward victory.
The former Geordie Shore star, who has transitioned from reality television to boxing, MMA, and now bare-knuckle boxing, faces what he describes as the toughest test of his combat sports career. Chalmers believes Till may be expecting an easy opponent on his BKFC debut, but he is determined to prove otherwise.
“I was offered the fight eight weeks ago, and I personally think they were looking for a bigger name,” Chalmers said. “I heard there were a few big ex-UFC fighters they were trying to get in, but maybe they priced themselves out. Maybe I'm a name they think is an easy fight to win, and then he goes on to the Mike Perry fight. Am I just, in their eyes, a fight to give him a win? Let's be honest, everyone thinks Till's just going to walk through us, but that's not the cloth I'm cut from. There's no way I'm going down without a serious fight.”
Chalmers, who has built a reputation as a durable and determined fighter, acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge. “I'm the only crossover person who has gone from reality TV to fighting MMA who is now fighting one of the biggest names in the UFC a few years ago. It just shows how far my career has pushed on. Till is an absolute beast, a huge name, and it's a big fight.”
Despite the odds, Chalmers remains confident in his ability to cause an upset. “I still think that I'm going to win the fight. Bare-knuckle is a mad sport, and one shot changes everything. I'm under no illusion as to what Darren Till brings to the table. He is a horrible, awkward, strong southpaw, so I know I'm going to have my work cut out for 10 minutes, or however long the fight lasts.”
Chalmers is preparing for a grueling encounter, fully aware of the risks involved. “I always prepare for the worst, so whatever doesn't happen, it's a bonus. Obviously with Till, I know I'm going to get hit, I know I'm going to get hit hard. Probably nine times out of ten, I'm going to have some serious cuts, but so is he. Whatever can happen to me can also happen to him.”
The fight, which takes place in Birmingham, marks a significant step for both men: Till making his BKFC debut after a notable UFC career, and Chalmers continuing his unconventional journey through combat sports. Fans can expect a violent and unpredictable contest as Chalmers aims to defy expectations and leave a lasting impression on the bare-knuckle scene.
